Rochdale to Host Star-Studded Poetry Celebration, Launching Two Community Anthologies
Rochdale's year as Greater Manchester Town of Culture is set to ignite with a vibrant afternoon of live poetry on Saturday, 21st March, featuring renowned performance poet Tony Walsh, affectionately known as Longfella. The special event at Number One Riverside will also mark the highly anticipated launch of two poetry anthologies showcasing the borough's diverse literary talent.
The celebratory afternoon will see Tony Walsh, famous for his powerful and evocative performances, take centre stage alongside a roster of local talent. Rochdale's own poet laureate, Sammy Weaver, will be featured, as will the borough's young poets in residence, Alende Amisi and Sasha Mostafa. The event promises to be a showcase of poets who have contributed significantly to Rochdale's rich cultural programme during its time in the spotlight as Greater Manchester Town of Culture for 2025 to 2026.
A highlight of the event will be the official launch of, "Weaving Words", a compelling 120-page collection featuring more than 80 poems penned by local residents. This anthology is a testament to the borough's creative spirit and the voices within its community.
.jpg)
Additionally, a children’s anthology titled, "Poems to Change the World", will be unveiled. This inspiring book features work by young people who participated in a series of poetry workshops held across the borough over the past year. Led by Sammy Weaver, these workshops engaged over 650 young people in 20 schools and ten sessions with local residents, with many of their brilliant creations finding a place in the new collection.
Visitors attending the free event will also have the opportunity to explore the Rochdale in Rhyme exhibition at Number One Riverside, which displays over 40 poems written by residents throughout the year. The afternoon will include live readings from contributing poets, chances to meet the writers behind the words, and the opportunity to purchase copies of both newly launched anthologies.
The comprehensive poetry programme, which culminates in this exciting event, is funded by National Lottery project grants from Arts Council England and Flexible Funds, alongside township funding from Rochdale Borough Council. It is delivered collaboratively by Rochdale Borough Council and Rochdale Development Agency, reinforcing a commitment to fostering creativity and community engagement.
Residents and visitors are encouraged to mark their calendars for Saturday, 21st March, and join this vibrant celebration of poetry and community at Number One Riverside.
The celebratory afternoon will see Tony Walsh, famous for his powerful and evocative performances, take centre stage alongside a roster of local talent. Rochdale's own poet laureate, Sammy Weaver, will be featured, as will the borough's young poets in residence, Alende Amisi and Sasha Mostafa. The event promises to be a showcase of poets who have contributed significantly to Rochdale's rich cultural programme during its time in the spotlight as Greater Manchester Town of Culture for 2025 to 2026.
A highlight of the event will be the official launch of, "Weaving Words", a compelling 120-page collection featuring more than 80 poems penned by local residents. This anthology is a testament to the borough's creative spirit and the voices within its community.
.jpg)
Additionally, a children’s anthology titled, "Poems to Change the World", will be unveiled. This inspiring book features work by young people who participated in a series of poetry workshops held across the borough over the past year. Led by Sammy Weaver, these workshops engaged over 650 young people in 20 schools and ten sessions with local residents, with many of their brilliant creations finding a place in the new collection.
Visitors attending the free event will also have the opportunity to explore the Rochdale in Rhyme exhibition at Number One Riverside, which displays over 40 poems written by residents throughout the year. The afternoon will include live readings from contributing poets, chances to meet the writers behind the words, and the opportunity to purchase copies of both newly launched anthologies.
The comprehensive poetry programme, which culminates in this exciting event, is funded by National Lottery project grants from Arts Council England and Flexible Funds, alongside township funding from Rochdale Borough Council. It is delivered collaboratively by Rochdale Borough Council and Rochdale Development Agency, reinforcing a commitment to fostering creativity and community engagement.
Residents and visitors are encouraged to mark their calendars for Saturday, 21st March, and join this vibrant celebration of poetry and community at Number One Riverside.
.jpg)
.jpg)
Comments
Send your story in to editor@rochdalevaliant.uk
Post a Comment